UPDATE: Snowmobiler who died was founding member of Nanaimo Search and Rescue

A 52-year-old Nanaimo man has died after a cornice collapsed beneath his snowmobile in Whistler.

In a Monday news release, RCMP said that Whistler Search and Rescue were sent to Mt. Callaghan shortly after 3:15 p.m. Saturday following reports of a snowmobiler who had fallen in the area.

Search crews found that the man had stopped his snowmobile on a snow cornice that had subsequently collapsed.

He was found partially buried 250 feet below. Although other snowmobilers in the area dug him out and began CPR, the man was declared dead at the scene.

Carly Trobridge, Nanaimo Search and Rescue president, said in a statement that members were saddened to learn of the passing of Karl Baker, who was a dedicated member of NSAR for more than 15 years.

“Karl was also an avid outdoorsman who always held safety and avalanche education in high regard and as key pieces of safe travel in the backcountry. Karl will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him; our thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this time,” she said.